Whether you’ve purchased a new computer to fulfill your gaming needs or would like to add some functionality to an aging PC, it’s a good time to invest in a few fun accessories.

Perhaps you’re itching for a new controller, mouse or keyboard? Or maybe a better monitor, wireless router or headset?

Computer gamers can choose from hundreds of peripherals today – each promising to enhance your interactive entertainment experience – so how do you know which ones are worthy of your time and money?

For laptops and desktops, the following are a half-dozen hardware recommendations. And be sure to suggest your own favorites in the Comments section.

The Cloud Mix is HyperX’s first Bluetooth gaming headset that also supports a wired connection and detachable (second) microphone.(Photo: Kingston Technology Corporation)

Hear ye, hear ye

Whether you’re looking to strategize during a heated multiplayer match or simply want to trash-talk online opponents, a headset microphone is ideal for private audio listening and chatting with others.

HyperX has just launched its first-ever Bluetooth gaming headset, called the Cloud Mix ($199), which lets you wirelessly pair it with a computer or mobile device, for up to 20 hours of playback. Alternatively, use the braided cable to plug it into a game console, or if you prefer Hi-Res audio from your PC.

The Cloud Mix has an integrated microphone for when you’re on the go (and, say, a call comes in), plus a detachable microphone for better-quality audio during games.

The over-the-ear headset is also super comfortable, thanks to soft leatherette and memory foam, to make it ideal for marathon gaming sessions.

Get a grip with a gaming-grade mouse that offers greater precision, speed and comfort.(Photo: Razer Inc.)

Not mousing around

Regardless of the genre you’re into, the Razer Mamba Elite ($89) is the latest iteration of Razer’s iconic gaming mouse.

Along with a fitted and ergonomic grip, this wired mouse features an advanced optical sensor with 16,000-dots-per-inch accuracy, for greater precision and speed, and with a resolution accuracy of 99.4 percent, says Razer.

Aesthetically, the Razer Mamba Elite offers an impressive 20 customizable lighting zones, including on the sides of the mouse, animated settings and the option to tie lighting patterns to specific in-game events.

The mouse also has nine programmable buttons, including a comfy tilt-click scroll wheel.

This wired Logitech keyboard is mechanical, programmable, and features RGB lighting.(Photo: Logitech)

Keys, please

If you’re looking to replace the keyboard that came with your PC, Logitech has eight wired and wireless models to choose from.

The best-seller is the Logitech G Pro ($129), a fully programmable and mechanical gaming keyboard built to the exacting standards of the world’s top esports athletes, says the company. While wired, the keyboard has a detachable cable and compact “tenkeyless” design (which means it doesn’t have a numeric keypad), so it’s easy to toss into a backpack.

The G Pro also features Keystroke Signal Processing (KSP, for short), which makes this quiet keyboard superfast and responsive – up to 10 milliseconds faster than other keyboards – to help give you an edge in action games.

Handled with software, LightSync RGB technology lets you customize the keyboard from a full spectrum of about 16.8 million colors, as well as synchronize lighting animations and effects with other Logitech G devices.

Some PC games are more conducive to a game controller than a mouse and keyboard. This affordable SteelSeries gamepad is wireless, programmable, and enjoys long battery life.(Photo: SteelSeries Inc.)

Control freak

If your games are easier to play with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard, the SteelSeries Stratus XL ($59) is an affordable and portable gamepad built for Windows and Android games (including support for Steam and Samsung Gear VR titles).

The wireless black Bluetooth controller feels great in your hands and features several buttons, clickable analog sticks, pressure-sensitive triggers, smooth shoulder buttons and multidirectional d-pad – most of which are programmable.

With its two AA batteries (included), battery life tops 40 hours of wireless gameplay. An LED light will show you when it’s time to replace batteries or juice up rechargeable ones.

See more of your gaming world with a big, wide, curved and fast monitor.(Photo: ViewSonic Corp.)

Screen dream

Monitors are getting bigger, wider, curved, and fast – all of which are appealing to those who play computer games.

The ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C ($699) is the only curved 35-inch ultrawide quad high-definition monitor – including support for HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) for better contrast, brightness, and color – and with RGB backlighting that can sync with multiple PC hardware partners (like Razer). The wide 21:9 aspect ratio means it’s almost like having two monitors, side by side, to see more of the gaming world you’re in (not to mention a multitasking marvel during work hours).

In the speed department, it has a 100Hz refresh rate to keep up with the fast-paced action and reduce lag and latency (a common issue with lower refresh rate monitors), along with a ClearMotion blur reduction feature. Special audio modes optimize sound during games, movies, and music playback.

This ViewSonic monitor offers several inputs for computers and game consoles, including two HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, three USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm audio out jack.

When speed is paramount, a gaming router like this Republic of Gamers model, is a great idea – budget permitting.(Photo: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.)

Speed demon

Especially in multiplayer matches, a good wireless router could mean the difference between life and death.

The Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand from ASUS has several gaming PCs and accessories, including the top-of-the-line ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 ($449), which won PC Gamer magazine’s Router of the Year award.

Built for bandwidth-demanding applications like virtual reality, 4K streaming and massively multiplayer action games, this AC5300 tri-band Wi-Fi gaming router features a PC-grade quad-core processor to do all the heavy lifting, AiMesh tech (to connect to other compatible ASUS routers for whole-home Wi-Fi), and many other technologies tied to speed, range, reliability, and security.

If you prefer a wired connection, on the back of this GT-AC5300 – which looks like an upside-down spider – you’ll find eight Gigabit LAN ports and two ultra-fast USB 3.0 ports.

What are your favorite PC gaming accessories? Tell us in the Comments below or on Twitter.